Here on the east coast we’re bracing ourselves for the first big hurricane of the season, Hurricane Irene. I’ve lived in the region most of my life, so I’m hardly panicked. So long as it’s not a major hurricane, all you really need to do is make sure you have enough food and water to last in case the power goes out for any extended amount of time.

Surviving is the easy part. But can you make it fun?

Usually these types of events mean you’re going to be staying in for a while. So why not find some inspiration even when it’s storming outside. Here are a few ways how:

1). Storytime. I remember when the power would go out, my parents would gather us all at the kitchen table with one lone candle and we’d tell stories. I almost didn’t want the electricity to come back on, because we were having so much fun. If you find yourself in the dark, see it as an electronic vacation and bunker down with the ones you love.

2). Puzzles. I don’t know why I ever stopped doing jigsaw puzzles. Again, as a family, we’d light candles and spread out all the pieces on the dining room table. More often than not, we were so deep into the fun that it was a surprise when the lights came back on.

3). Take it outside. Provided the rain has stopped, an evening stroll or just sitting on the porch when the power is out is enchanting. Chances are, you’ve never really seen the stars that hang over your head without all the street lights. Plus, there’s a peacefulness to the neighborhood.

What do you do when the lights go out?